Soft Tissue Grafting

Soft tissue grafting is often necessary to combat gum recession. Periodontal disease, trauma, aging, over brushing, and poor tooth positioning are the leading causes of gum recession which can lead to tooth-root exposure in severe cases.

When the roots of the teeth become exposed, eating hot and cold foods can be uncomfortable, decay is more prevalent and the aesthetic appearance of the smile is altered. The main goal of soft tissue grafting is to either cover the exposed root or to thicken the existing gum tissue in order to halt further tissue loss.

The three different types of common soft tissue grafts include:

Free gingival graft – A strip of tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and stitched to the grafting site in order to promote natural growth. This type of graft is most commonly used for thickening existing tissue.

Connective tissue graft – For larger areas or root exposure, subepithelial tissue is needed to remedy the problem. This subepithelial connective tissue is removed from a small flap in the mouth and sutured to the grafting site. This is the most common treatment for root exposure.

Pedicle graft – This type of graft involves the “sharing” of soft tissue between the affected site and adjacent gum. A flap of tissue is partially cut away and moved sideways to cover the root. The results of this type of graft are excellent because the tissue that is moved to the adjacent area includes blood vessels that are left in place.

Reasons for soft tissue grafting

Soft tissue grafting is an extremely versatile procedure that has many uses. Recent developments in dental technology have made soft tissue grafting more predictable and less intrusive. Here are some of the main benefits associated with soft tissue grafting treatment:

Improved aesthetics – Gum recession due to periodontal disease can cause the smile to look “toothy” or the teeth to appear uneven in size. Soft tissue grafting can be used as a cosmetic procedure to re-augment the gums, and make the smile appear more symmetrical.

Improved gum health – Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can destroy soft tissue very rapidly. When used in combination with deep cleaning procedures, soft tissue grafting can halt tissue and bone loss, and protect exposed roots from further complications.

What does soft tissue grafting treatment involve?

Initially, deep cleaning will be performed both above and below the gum line to clear the teeth and roots of calculus (tartar). The grafting procedure itself will generally be performed under local anesthetic, but this will depend on the size of the areas receiving grafts. A small incision will be made at the recipient site in order to create a small pocket. A split thickness incision is made in this pocket and the donor tissue is placed between the two sections of this area. The donor tissue strip is generally larger than the incision, so some excess will be apparent.

Platelet rich growth factors which stimulate natural tissue growth and promote good healing may be applied to the site before suturing. In addition, tissue-stimulating proteins may be added to encourage quicker tissue growth. Finally, the wound site will be sutured to prevent shifting, and surgical material will be placed to protect the sensitive area. Gum uniformity and substantial healing will take place in the first six weeks after the procedure.

If you have any questions about soft tissue grafting, please ask your dentist.

Testimonials

I have been seeing Dr. Porcu since I was a teenager. I am now 40 years old with a child of my own. He is always very thorough, explains all the options to me, from a simple filling, to an impression for a mouth guard, etc...He lets me know all of my options. He is very caring, and the work he has done has lasted all of these years without having to be replaced, etc... so the quality is good! I took my son there for his first visit at 3 years of age. Dr. Porcu put me in the chair with my son on my lap and examined him. Later, when my son needed a cavity filled at 6 years of age, Dr. Porcu, with his excellent chair-side manner, put my son at ease...so much so that my son never cried or even called out to me during his novacaine shot or the drilling, etc... I was so impressed! I have seen pictures of other dentists offices that cater to children, with all the games and decorations, etc... but I wonder why one would need all that from the moment that the Dentist himself puts the kids at ease...with his calm demeanor, and the way he speaks to them. I am truly very happy with Dr. Porcu, and his staff (the cleanings twice a year performed by his awesome hygienist) that I recommend him to all my friends and family.

Anastasia Damian
Melville, NY

Dear Dr. Porcu, Just a short thank you to your and your staff. During my tooth "emergency" you and your team made me feel so comfortable. While my anxiety level was so high, you and Lina quickly diagnosed my problem, promptly took care of the pain, kept me calm and acted respectfully and professionally but at the same time treated me like family!! The work that you perform Dr. Porcu is always top of the line and the care and concern of those who were in the office that day and the days for my follow-ups are exemplary. Thank you Dr. Porcu, Lina, Nicole and Margaret. Warm Regards.